Professor Peter Higgins FRSE
Professor of Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education, University of Edinburgh
Peter’s early career was as an environmental scientist, freshwater/fisheries biologist, before training to teach biology and outdoor education. Through his teaching and research he seeks to understand how we develop relationships with and care for nature. His research is interdisciplinary, and his publications span a diverse range of topics.
He has supported education and policy developments in the UK and internationally, and as an Expert Advisor to the UK Commission for UNESCO. Scottish Government advisory roles, include chairing Ministerial ‘Learning for Sustainability’ Advisory/Implementation Groups (2011-2016). He jointly established and was Director (2011-24) of the United Nations University Centre for Education for Sustainable Development (Scotland).
He is a board member of Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot, chair of its Scientific Advisory Committee and member of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. He is a board member (2016-) of the Field Studies Council, and of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Commission on Education and Communication.
His contributions have been recognised through the University of Edinburgh’s highest award for teaching, the Chancellor’s Award, Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society; and the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Environment and Outdoor Education.
https://www.ed.ac.uk/profile/peter-higgins
Involved in
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Resources
Scottish schools are pioneering a ‘Learning for Sustainability’ approach, integrating outdoor education and climate justice to empower young learners in tackling the nature and climate crises. Long before the recent reviews of Scottish schooling, the Scottish Government established an advisory group to make recommendations on how sustainability could become part of school-life. This led to […]
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Resources
The spring 2024 edition of ReSourcE explores the future of education in Scotland and the pivotal role that learning plays in shaping our collective future. Contributors from the RSE Fellowship, Young Academy of Scotland, and beyond, delve into diverse facets of education transformation: the imperative of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration; addressing socioeconomic disparities in education; […]
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Events
How did working Glaswegians win the UK's first right of way campaign? Join online to learn about this pivotal moment in Glasgow's rich history.
